The Princess and the Frog

Rated G95 minutes2009

Disney’s return to hand-drawn animation pays off triumphantly in this charming, tune-filled romantic comedy, set in old New Orleans and the surrounding bayou and filled with velvety exteriors, lively situations, and a rich cast of African-American characters. In a clever switch, the “princess,” a poor young woman named Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) kisses the enchanted prince-turned-frog, and she turns into a frog herself. Amazing voice cast: Keith David (evil sorcerer), Jenifer Lewis, Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard, John Goodman, Michael-Leon Wooley, and Jim Cummings as Ray the Cajun firefly. If this is any indication of Pixar’s effect on Planet Mouse, the merger was one of the best moves Disney ever made. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, from a screenplay they cooked up with four other writers. Welcome back, Disney (97 min.).
ByKelly Vance